Day 11

August 6, 2008 – Day 11: Layover in Whitehorse

Edge Water Hotel, Whitehorse, YT

I had been on the road for five days straight and I had actually had the foresight to schedule a layover day in Whitehorse. I had put 3,466.09 miles on the bike since leaving home and it was time for an oil change. The plan was to visit the Harley dealer here in Whitehorse and have them do the service. I usually handle those things myself but hey, I’m on vacation. Besides I don’t think the hotel would appreciate me dropping fluids in their parking lot.

Yukon Harley-Davidson is located in Whitehorse and boasts the shortest riding season of any other dealership. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but one thing’s for sure, they take care of their customers. I really expected to waste most of my day at the dealership, but they assured me that the bike would be serviced and ready within the hour. While I was waiting, I looked for a t-shirt, turned out they didn’t have any in my size but they did have a nice hooded sweatshirt that fit me just fine. As I was paying for the service and the sweatshirt I spoke with a man that had just rode in from Alaska. He confirmed the stories of the road conditions between Whitehorse and Tok and had his own story to tell. I began to wonder what my story would be, and if I would be around to tell it. Oh well no time to worry, I got sights to see. The bike was ready and I was told I could pick it up outside. There it was parked in front all nice and clean, seems Yukon Harley-Davidson washes the bike for free after any service. I definitely got the better end of that deal.

Train at Whitehorse

As I headed back to the hotel I noticed a definite chill in the air and large white puffy clouds were beginning to diffuse the world’s main light. Time to get some shots. When I got back to the room I grabbed my bag and took off to explore the town of Whitehorse. After shooting some of the local scenery I headed off to the bar for dinner and a night cap. Tomorrow was approaching fast and I wanted to get a good night’s sleep. I didn’t know exactly what was in store for me come morning, but I knew it was going to be a very long day.